Cosy Sunday Reads V.02
This week: Flying over the alps with Nora en Pure / Disconnecting in Japan / Learning stoicism from a Roman emperor / Short story on life after death / and more
Hi Guys & Girls,
Fall is in full swing and reminds us of the changing seasons in its own colourful way. Even Berlin is showing its colours all over its parks, mixing warm sun-rays with a fresh breeze. It is a perfect time to grab a book or article and enjoy a revitalising Sunday in a park or on a terrace.
Find attached a short selection of media I have enjoyed throughout these days.
Music: Cercle - Nora En Pure presents Purified 200 (2:36h watch/listen)
I have to admit, I am a bit of a Cercle fanboy. Their video productions of top-class electronic artists creating music in breath-taking locations always amaze me. Nora en pure takes you on a musical journey over the Alps. Starting with some melodic tunes, she soon increases the energy to deliver some fine danceable deep-house sounds. Beautiful in every way.
Article: The Glorious, Almost-Disconnected Boredom of My Walk in Japan - Craig Mod (16 min read)
Craig Mod is a writer and photographer, who has been living in Japan for many years. In this article, he describes his journey walking across the island of Japan. Disconnected from most (social) media throughout his journey, he discovers gratitude in stillness and an uncluttered mind. Craig explains how he designed the journey, the ups and downs he experienced, and his greatest takeaways.
Book: Marcus Aurelius - Meditations (2-3 hours read)
Markus Aurelius was a Roman emperor in 160 AD. Being the last of the 4 so-called “good emperors”, he led the Roman army into hundreds of battles. While leading one of histories greatest empires, he also kept a tight journal. Without an audience in mind and just addressing himself, he wrote in short passages which later became a collection called “Meditations”. Strongly influenced by stoicism, he philosophises about how to live a happy life. The Meditations is not an easy read. The translation often leaves room for interpretations. But for the patient reader, it can open up some guiding principles to live a happy life even when faced with hardship.
Video: Kurzgesagt - The egg - A Short Story (7:45 min watch)
Kurzgesagt is an animation studio from Munich. Given the high quality of their productions, it is unbelievable that it can be accessed for free. Usually, they break down and explain complex topics in their videos. But sometimes they use their skills to create animated art. “The Egg” is a short story touching the questions of “what comes after death?”. Independent from any single one religion, they deliver a touching idea on how all life is connected. With the storytelling on point, the video kept me reflecting on it days after the first viewing.
Video (German only): Trump: America first! - Das gespaltene Amerika (1:45h watch)
He is a topic that has dominated public discourse in the past 5 years. Normally, I would refrain from sharing any content that is relating to Trump. However, this documentary from the German channel ZDF Info documents the rise and ruling of Trump in the USA. Via interviews with campaign aides such as Steve Bannon, it describes the intent and strategy behind their 2016 presidential campaign. Utilizing the increasing polarization in the US, Trump managed to push Fox News to support him, become president, and consolidate the republican party behind him. All while creating one scandal after another. An interesting analysis and retelling of the past 4 years. Unfortunately, only available in German until the 27th of October. Reason for the limited availability unknown.
